This week our Spotlight lights up the Sunshine Coast as the team at Maroochydore fill us in the books they’ve lost their heads over!
Dreamer’s Pool by Juliet Marillier:
Dreamer’s Pool brings the pages to life, with vivid depictions of the Forest of Dalriada; dark forest magic; romance and mystery. Strong willed, skilled healer Blackthorn, must put aside her desperation for revenge against the man who murdered her family, partnering up with her strong but silent prison mate Grim, to uncover the mystery of what dark secrets the Dreamer’s Pool hide in its’ depths, to save the once lovely Lady Flidais from a terrible fate.
A wonderful story that combines magic, courage, and a curious and diverse array of complex characters and settings to bring us the first in one of the most absorbing and enchanting series I have read in years. – Coreena
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold:
A truly fascinating and haunting read. It follows the story of Susie Salmon and her family in the wake of a tragic event. An unusual read and definitely for those who love a complex family story. – Morgan
Vanish by Tess Gerritsen:
“My name is Mila, and this is my journey. ”
Take a fast paced trip into the hellish world of human trafficking. This book leaves you feeling so many emotions and has you gripped from the first page. Vanish was the first book of Tess Gerristen’s that I read and I have loved every book of hers since. – Maylee
Let It Snow by Maureen Johnson, John Green and Lauren Myracle:
Let it snow is a captivating novel composed of three short stories, written by three different authors. These romantic tales all connect into a compelling yet humorous holiday tale. – Belinda
Hear the Wind Sing by Haruki Murakami:
Hear the Wind Sing is Haruki Murakami’s first novel, now translated into English for the first time. It follows the unnamed narrator and his friend, the Rat, as they spend their summer drinking and playing pinball in their local bar. As a loyal reader of Murakami’s books, this short novel definitely did not disappoint. It has the same feeling that all of his books seem to – humdrum, day-to-day events with a hint of the surreal – which I can never put my finger on. I would recommend anything Murakami has written until the cows come home, but this was an especially enjoyable read! – Sam
The Gunslinger by Stephen King:
I decided to read this novel with high expectations, as over the years I’ve received far too many recommendations from Sci Fi and Fantasy readers. This novel is not what I expected, but I was riveted by the intense plot, incredible character development, and unforgettably dark imagery. Stephen King does not disappoint and I am excited to continue the series. – Marijah
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin:
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is an eerily fantastic YA book, completely unique to anything else already in this genre. Such a dark and captivating story that makes your mind explode, yet still filled with humour and wit. You will not want to put this book down at all! – Tariana
Spoiled by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan:
This was a sparkling novel which was extremely creative and obsessively hilarious. I love this multi-perspective read by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan as it gives such an intriguing insight into the lives of the witty characters while still allowing your imagination to run wild. This fabulous young-adult read was very light-hearted and entertaining… definitely one of my new favourites! – Chelsea
